How Much Will a Swim Spa Raise My Electric Bill?

A common concern among future swim spas owners is the impact of a swim spa will have on their electric bill.

Little wonder! A swim spa is a sizeable investment and understanding ongoing swim spa electric costs is key to feeling confident in any purchase. Also, the ongoing cost is one you can’t figure out in advance. You have to buy it to find out what it is for certain.

It’s not that bad, we promise you. And it’s less than a pool. In general, we find a swim spa costs about $2 a day or about $60 a month to run (click here for a full breakdown on the monthly costs of a swim spa).   

Swim spas have always been efficient to run. The cost of heating something is higher than keeping something at a set temperature. We have been selling them since the 1990s, and we haven’t faced a rash of returns due to operating costs yet.

In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence energy consumption and offer practical tips to help manage your monthly energy costs.

How Much Power Does a Swim Spa Use?

The energy consumption of a swim spa can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the spa, frequency of use, and the energy efficiency of the system. On average, a swim spa can consume anywhere from 4000 to 6000 watts per hour while in operation.

To determine your ongoing cost, multiply that rate by the rate you’re being charged for power.

What are the Factors that Affect Energy Consumption?

To understand how much power your swim spa will use, consider these key factors:
 
Size: Larger swim spas have more water to heat and circulate, leading to higher energy use. The surface area and volume of water directly impact the amount of energy required to maintain the desired temperature.

Usage: Frequent use, especially at high speeds or temperatures, will naturally increase energy consumption. For example, using the swim spa for extended periods or at higher temperatures will require more energy. Having the cover off has a significant effect.

Energy Efficiency: Modern swim spas equipped with insulated covers and energy-efficient pumps are designed to use less power. Investing in a newer, energy-efficient model may have a higher upfront cost but will save you money in the long run.

Ambient Temperature: Where you live and your most common temperatures matter a great deal. The colder it is, the more it will cost, especially if you don’t ensure your swim spa has quality insulation (our hot tubs are made in Canada and for Canada, but many are made in Mexico, for example, and intended for markets there).

How to Estimate the Monthly Cost

To get a better idea of how your swim spa will affect your electric bill, you can estimate the monthly cost by considering the power usage, average cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in your area, and your usage habits.

Here is a simple calculation to estimate the monthly cost of operating your swim spa:

• Average Power Consumption: 3000 watts (3 kW)
• Average Usage: 2 hours per day
• Cost per kWh: $0.13
• Monthly Cost: 3 kW x 2 hours/day x 30 days/month x $0.13/kWh = $23.40

What are Some Tips to Keep Your Bill Under Control?

There are several strategies you can employ to minimize the impact of your swim spa on your electric bill:

• Keep Your Cover In Place When Not In Use: A well-insulated cover can significantly reduce heat loss, ensuring that your swim spa stays warm without the need for constant heating.
• Insulation Properties: As we said above, look for swim spas that are well-insulated and built for the market you’re in. 
• Energy-Efficient Settings: Many modern swim spas come with eco-friendly settings that help reduce energy consumption. Hydropool swim spas come with self-cleaning, which minimizes the time you need your cover open, for example. 
• Smart Controls: Consider swim spas with programmable controls that allow you to set schedules for heating and filtration. This ensures that the spa operates at optimal efficiency.
• Routine Maintenance: Keeping your pumps and filters clean and well-maintained ensures they operate efficiently, which can help reduce energy consumption. Clean or replace the filters regularly to ensure efficient water flow. Clogged filters force the pump to work harder, increasing energy use.

Better get that lid on! This open Hydropool Aquasport is sending heat into the air, instead of recapturing it and using it to help heat the water. 

Will my Swim Spa Cost Me More In the Winter?

In most cases yes. If you live in an area with significant winter you can expect your December bills to be higher than your July bills (our $2 a day estimate is an average of these two).

Insulation and usage are your biggest factors in the winter. For more on swim spa insulation, click the button below.

How Much Will A Swim Spa Raise Your Electric Bill?

While a swim spa will inevitably increase your electric bill, understanding the factors that influence energy consumption and taking proactive steps can help keep costs manageable and keep you knowledgeable about how to keep your costs inline. Like owning a car, there’s no way to get rid of operating costs altogether. But with smart decisions and good research, you can get a swim spa that doesn’t break the bank.

Did we answer all your questions or miss one or two? If we missed any, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local dealer.